Valmont | | Cast : | Colin Firth, Annette Bening | | Director : | Milos Forman | | Studio : | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen | | Released Date : | November 17, 1989 | | DVD Released Date : | September 07, 2004 | | Language : | English (Dubbed), French (Dubbed), French (Subtitled), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), English (Original Language), French (Original Language) | | Audience Rating : | R (Restricted) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | July 19, 2005 | | Summary | Excellent directing and brilliant cast | Content
 | Following the success of Dangerous Liasons, this version of the same book made by Milos Forman was underservedly overlooked. Forman has done an excellent job at re-interpreting the story, and performances by Colin Firth and Annette Benning are stunning. One should not expect a re-write of Malcovich / Close story, this is a very different and equally brilliant movie, a lot softer and more refined. |
| Rating | | | Date | June 20, 2005 | | Summary | This is great! Why didn't I see it sooner? | Content
| This is a terrific version of the same story that sparked the Hollywood film "Dangerous Liaisons." I still remember when "Valmont" was being shown at the Fine Arts Theater in Chicago and I skipped it because I thought I had already seen it all (in DL). Wrong! I loved this film and I agree with what a lot of the other reviewers mentioned. It makes much more sense for the attractive Colin Firth and Anette Bening to be so successful in the art of seduction, rather than Malkovich and Close. Valmont seemed a much more sympathetic character in this film--he just can't help himself. He loves life and especially women and the only one he really wants to hurt is ex-lover Bening because she wants revenge for past deeds. Malkovich did a great job but he just seemed plain evil, rather than sexual. And do I even have to mention that Colin is just so much better to look at? He's about 29 in this film and gorgeous as the day is long. I liked that each actor kept their own accents (as they did in Amadeus, another Milos Forman film)because it seemed more true. The scenery, costumes and sets are stunning and they suck you into the drama. Loved it! Don't miss this one, especially if you like Colin Firth. |
| Rating | | | Date | March 27, 2005 | | Summary | True to its French Roots | Content
| 'Valmont' is the better rendition of the this romantic farce. Foreman deftly handles the intrigues of the rich and bored. His direction maintains the air of farcical schemes gone awry without sullying the innocence and dignity of the targeted parties (Cecile and Madame de Tourvel). The more commercial 'Dangerous Liaisons', steeped in American puritanical sensibilities, is a heavy-handed morality play -- one can almost see the judgmental "finger-wagging" throughout the denouement and conclusion. By contrast, 'Valmont' is a refreshing humorous romp. |
| Rating | | | Date | August 02, 2004 | | Summary | A Close Call With Dangerous Liaisons | Content
| I found this adaptation by Milos Forman to be better acted in some of the roles than the earlier release of Dangerous Liasons. Colin Firth as Valmont seemed more to be the type of Don Giovanni aristocrat of that period than John Malkovich's sinister rendition. Michell Pfeiffer simply failed to deliver a credible performance as an 18th century demoiselle; like many other method actors, she can only play herself. In that respect, Meg Tilly was more convincing as the innocent victim of Valmont's scheme. I did like Glenn Close more than Annette Bening as the wicked vixen but, overall, Valmont more closely represented the mannerisms and culture of 18th century France than Dangerous Liaisons. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 07, 2004 | | Summary | An outstanding yet neglected film | Content
| I happened to watch this movie on TV, quite a while ago. Despite the rather "unastable" ending (towards the book) I found it very good. Colin Firth (apart from being an absolute hunk in period frocks is also fantastic-though he smiles too much for such a tragic character) is much more down-to-earth and handsome than -otherwise great actor- John Malcovitch. Colin is brooding, John is SCARY. Not the person I'd trust my heart or body to. Glenn Glose is a lot more scary - Anette Benning is fantastic because she is bad, she is sexy,and can be even good sometimes. Glose is bad, bad, and scary. Not to mention that ravishing - and too old - Uma Thurman can't possibly persuade anyone for being innocent, pure and well, virgin. Fairuza Balk, is yet a child. Milos Forman gives the characters a depth that we don't see in DL1. The only thing I consider a good choice, was Michelle Pfeifer as the tragig widow. She is brilliant, beautiful (Meg Tilly was pretty but not as ravishing), and most of all, CAN ACT. A few years younger and next to Firth, could produce sparks. I definitely go for the Milos Forman edition. Despite the really bad ending, he gives his characters more dimensions. In DL1, the good are too good, the bad are too bad, and the people between, insignificant. Life isn't just that way.
I hope i will be able to find it in a DVD region 2 someday. Unless I buy an All-regions DVD player. (sigh). |
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